Peugeot 301 2013

This is the new Peugeot 301, a compact four-door saloon aimed at emerging markets. It also ushers in a new naming strategy for future Peugeot cars.

The 4440mm-long Peugeot 301 will not be sold in the UK, but is still expected to become one of its best-selling cars worldwide after the car's debut at the Paris motor show.

The French firm hopes to achieve this by competing in the budget segment with one of the most stylish cars available, which also offers a class-leading 506 litres of boot capacity and cabin space, thanks to its 2650mm wheelbase. An extensive list of safety equipment is also offered, including ESP, ABS, four airbags and an emergency brake-assist system.

Peugeot claims the car has undergone extensive development in a number of countries and climates around the world to ensure it can have a comfortable ride quality on the likely broken surfaces of the roads of countries it's set to be sold in.

A modern engine line-up also features in the Peugeot 301. The 301 will be the second car after the 208 to get Peugeot's new three-cylinder 1.2-litre VTi petrol engine. In the 301, it is offered with 70bhp and can be equipped to either a manual or automated manual gearbox.

Two 1.6-litre engines complete the line-up, a 1.6 HDi diesel with 91bhp and a 1.6 VTi petrol with 114bhp. The diesel's sole transmission choice is a manual; the petrol comes with either a manual or an automatic.

Despite being a budget car, a series of more premium features will be offered for the interior. MP3, Bluetooth and USB connections are all offered alongside automatic air-con, a hands-free phone kit, automatic boot opening and rear parking assistance systems.

The new 301 will be built at Peugeot's Vigo manufacturing plant in Spain. It will go on sale on 1 November initially in Turkey, before sales start in Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, the Middle East, Latin America and Africa.

Thanks to: Autocar

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Nissan 370Z 2013

A refreshed Nissan 370Z has made its debut at the Paris motor show. It will go on sale in the UK in November, in both coup and roadster guises.


Featuring the same styling details as the US version unveiled at the Chicago motor show in February, the facelift consists of new front and rear bumpers, the addition of LED daytime running lights and red brake calipers, which sit behind new 18 and 19-inch alloy wheel options.

Two new colours are also available: Magma Red and Midnight Blue.

Inside, the cabin has benefitted from minor trim upgrades to improve perceived quality.

There have been no changes made to the suspension or engine, with the 324bhp 3.7-litre V6 remaining.
Prices have yet to be confirmed, but are likely to be unchanged from the current model, with the entry level coup starting at 29,975.

Thanks to: Autocar

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Peugeot 208 XY 2013

Peugeot has unveiled the production version of the Peugeot 208 XY at the Paris motor show, a style-led variant that's part of the manufacturer's ambition to move its brand upmarket.

First seen in concept form at Geneva, the 208 XY gets a range of exterior and interior embellishments. The mirror casings, fog lamp trims, window trims and rear skirt bead are chrome, with gloss-black finishing on the quarter panel and centre pillar. The car rides on 17in multi-spoke alloys and bears 'XY' badging on the rear. Roof decals are an option.

The cabin gets an aluminium pedal bracket and footrest and bespoke trim on the vents, dashboard, steering wheel insert and front and rear door crossbars. A chrome embellishment covers the door trims, vents and side decorations of the multimedia touchscreen. The dashboard itself is finished in a metallic bronze colour. The 208 XY's seats are trimmed in cloth and Alcantara.

The 208 XY will be available with a choice of two diesel and two petrol engine options, with the most efficient 1.6-litre oilburner emitting 98g/km of CO2.

UK pricing and availability will be revealed at a later date.

Thanks to: Autocar

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Audi Crosslane Coupe Concept

Audi has confirmed its intention to launch a Q2 compact SUV with a new concept called Crosslane Coup at the Paris motor show.

The concept is 4250mm long, 1900mm wide and 1500mm high, with a 2550mm wheelbase. This makes it slightly longer, wider and taller than a three-door Audi A3, but shorter and lower riding than a Q3, the current entry-level Audi SUV.

The Wolfgang Egger-penned Crosslane Coup has a low, wide stance and a 3D grille design that's said to feature the future styling direction for Audi's Q models.

The concept is powered by a 116bhp, 184lb ft electric motor and battery pack, for an all-electric range of around 80 miles. A three-cylinder, 1.5-litre engine with 130bhp powers the electric motor when the battery pack runs dry, but direct drive from the engine alone is not possible.

The Q2 is expected to make production in 2015 as a direct rival to the next-generation Mini Countryman. The new SUV will sit below the Q3 in Audi's line-up.

Changes to the final car over the Crosslane Coup are expected to include a more conventional five-door layout, four-seat cabin and a higher roofline to increase practicality. The basic exterior design theme, though, should remain. A final decision on the direction the Q2 takes is due to be ratified by Audi bosses later this year.

It will be based on the new Volkswagen Group MQB platform, versatile underpinnings that will also feature on the second-generation Q3 in 2017.

The Q2 could share its exact platform dimensions with the Audi A2 high-riding hatchback and second-generation Skoda Yeti to help increase economies of scale.

Four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines will be offered in the Q2's line-up, with a choice of front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

Thanks to: Autocar

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